The ruling Congress and the principal Opposition, the Aaam Aadmi Party, were involved in a war of words after allegations were levelled against Cabinet Minister Charanjeet Singh Channi for his alleged involvement in illegal sand mining.
As the Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Monday alleged that Mr. Channi was involved in illegal sand mining through his nephew – the Cabinet Minister was quick to refute the charges, challenging Mr. Khaira to prove his accusation.
“Punjab Chief Minister had recently tweeted about the illegal mining being carried out in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar... I have now provided the facts about it as one of the mine in district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar has been allotted to a person, who is the business partner and close associate of Mr. Channi’s nephew. It’s now the turn of the Chief Minister to take action against people responsible for it,” said Mr. Khaira.
“The government should order an inquiry into the case by a commission under a sitting or retired judge of the High Court,” he said, adding that being Leader of the Opposition in Punjuab Vidhan Sabha, he will continue to raise the voice of people inside and outside the Assembly.
Mr. Channi denied the charges levelled against him, saying neither he nor any his family members have any link or stake in the mining business. “The allegation levelled by Mr. Khaira are baseless and false. A few days ago, Mr. Khaira had alleged that my relatives were indulging in illegal mining and later backtracked...now he is alleging that some people known to my relatives are involved in illegal mining...Mr. Khaira is in the habit of coming up with false stories,” said Mr. Channi.
‘Prove allegation’
Mr. Channi dared the Leader of the Opposition to prove his allegation otherwise be ready to face a legal suite.
“Mr. Khaira should stop such baseless charges and instead focus on playing the role of Leader of the Opposition in a constructive manner,” he added.
